Find out more about the type of data we collect and hold, why we collect it and who we are allowed to share it with.

Personal data is any information that tells us something about you. This can include your name, address, and date of birth. It might also include information about your health, where you have worked, the duration of your employment and your earnings for example.

We use your data to inform you about suitable job openings, or to assess whether you qualify for benefits or allowances for example. Your data helps us decide on the benefit you might receive, and the amount. Other types of data help us improve our services to you.

Your data is collected in a number of ways. We collect it from you, as well as from other people or organisations. For example, from the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (‘de Belastingdienst’), the local council (‘gemeente’), or depending on your situation, your employer.

When you contact us, we usually collect and process the following information:

  • your name, address, and town of residence
  • your telephone number
  • your e-mail address
  • your citizen service number (‘BSN’)
  • your date of birth
  • your gender
  • your ID information

This summary (in Dutch) lists the most common situations in which your personal data is collected, the information we collect, and who we might share it with.

In addition, UWV keeps an income data register ('polisadministratie'). This contains the details of everyone who works, or receives a pension or benefit, in the Netherlands. So even if you are not an UWV client, your personal details are in our system.

We also collect analytical data, such as cookies (in Dutch) to help improve our services to you.

We have a duty of confidentiality and we only use the personal data that we truly need. This means that we only share your data with other organisations if it is really necessary. For instance, we use your citizen service number to confirm your identity when contacting other organisations.

In some cases we might pass your data abroad. This only happens under certain conditions. In this case, we would share as little data as possible and only if it is well protected.

Our systems containing medical information are also extra secure. We have strict rules about which of our employees can see your information. We comply with the Dutch Data Protection Authority (‘Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens’, DPA), and we have checks in place to ensure these rules are properly implemented.

We handle your personal data with care. If data does accidentally end up with the wrong person, we might need to report this to the DPA.

If you receive a letter that is not addressed to you, please write 'return to sender' on the envelope and post it back to us as soon as possible. A stamp is not required. In the event the letter was opened, please use a new envelope to return the letter.

Letters can be returned to the following address:

UWV
Postal number 1507
1110 VC DUIVENDRECHT

If you receive an online message that is not intended for you, for example via the Message Box, the Work Folder or an e-mail, then please call us as soon as possible.

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